NCAA Finals: Red Lions face ‘test of character’

By Waylon Galvez

Games Friday (Mall of Asia Arena Pasay City)

1 p.m. – Lyceum vs San Beda (Jrs)

3 p.m. – Awarding Ceremony

4 p.m. – Letran San Beda vs (Srs)

After watching their immaculate record this season go up in flames in Game 1 of the NCAA Finals Tuesday, San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez realized they face an “ultimate test of character” in their bid to keep a “four-peat” championship drive alive.

“Of course medyo masakit na matalo, nawala yung opportunity na perfect season,” said Fernandez. “Talagang masusubukan yung character ng team; big test ito.”

For most part of the elimination round, the Red Lions devoured nearly every opponent on their way to a perfect 18-0 record, which gave them outright spot in the best-of-three title showdown.

However, the unbeaten run came to an end after archrival Letran dealt SBU a 65-64 defeat at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Now the Red Lions face a ‘must win’ Game 2 tomorrow at the same venue.

San Beda practiced Wednesday and Fernandez singled out the team’s shooting in Game 1 – a pathetic 26-of-86 (30.23 percent), including 6-of-40 (percent) from three-point area.

Season MVP Calvin Oftana and Filipino-Canadian James Canlas-Kwekuteye both scored 11 points but converted just five shots each on a combined 30 attempts, while Clint Doliguez – a reliable guard – went 1-of-12 and finish with just three points.

Oftana missed a three-point shot in the final moments of the opener that could have given the Red Lions the lead.

Evan Nelle led the team in scoring with 20 points, but he took 19 shots and converted just eight, while Cameroonian center Donald Tankoua was limited to seven points on 3-of-10 shooting with 13 rebounds.

Fernandez said he has no problems with taking the three-point shot, although he reminded his players not to take hurried attempts, which was the case in Game 1 mainly because of Letran’s defense.

“We have to execute better in Game 2. Kung makakalusot kami, sa tingin ko naman may chance kami to retain the title. Pero focus muna is win Game 2,” he said.

Letran coach Bonnie Tan, for his part, said that they just have to be ready for
SBU’s fightback.

“Basta kami dapat ready lang, kung ano man yung maging adjustment nila, handa kami dapat,” said Tan. “Of course we also want to improve on a few things at both ends – offense and defense.”

“Pero i-maintain lang namin yung mga positive things, yung mga tamang bagay na nagawa namin in winning Game 1.”

 

Source: Manila Bulletin